Ancient Legend of Raja Bhadrahari Revived at Mumbai University Storytelling Festival
The auditorium lights gradually dimmed at Somaiya University, creating an atmosphere of anticipation as rows of students fell silent. The rhythmic beat of traditional music filled the space, signaling the beginning of a journey centuries into the past. On stage, illuminated by a warm amber glow and draped in royal robes, the legendary figure of Raja Bhadrahari of Ujjain stood at the center of a profound moral dilemma.
A Timeless Tale of Immortality and Betrayal
The ancient folk legend from Madhya Pradesh unfolded during the university's storytelling festival called 'Afsana,' captivating a packed audience with its dramatic narrative. The story recounts the life of Raja Bhadrahari, a ruler celebrated throughout history for his exceptional virtue and moral character. According to the legend, a wandering ascetic was so impressed by the king's righteous conduct that he presented him with a magical fruit offering the gift of eternal life.
However, what initially appeared as a divine blessing soon transformed into a philosophical burden. The king realized that immortality would mean witnessing everything he cherished gradually wither away while he remained unchanged. Faced with this profound dilemma, Bhadrahari made a fateful decision that would set in motion a chain of unexpected events.
The Unexpected Journey of the Immortality Fruit
Choosing devotion over dominion, Raja Bhadrahari offered the precious fruit to his wife, Queen Pingala, as a testament to his love. In a surprising twist, the queen, who had developed feelings for the kotwal (chief of police), passed the fruit along to him. The kotwal, uncertain about what to do with such an extraordinary gift, subsequently handed it to a courtesan, traditionally referred to as a 'nagar vadhu.'
Here emerged the story's most striking moral revelation. The courtesan, despite her marginalized position in society, demonstrated the greatest sense of civic duty and wisdom. Believing that the kingdom would benefit most from having a righteous ruler with an extended lifespan, she selflessly returned the immortality fruit to King Bhadrahari.
Renunciation and Legacy
Confronted with his wife's betrayal and the courtesan's unexpected nobility, Raja Bhadrahari experienced a profound spiritual awakening. The legend states that he ultimately renounced his throne and worldly possessions, embracing an ascetic life. He passed his kingdom to his younger brother, who would become celebrated in Indian folklore as the legendary ruler Vikramaditya, also known historically as Chandragupta II.
Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Performance
The production was staged by a theatrical troupe led by Sanjay Mahajan, who has performed this ancient tale across numerous venues throughout India, including the prestigious Rashtrapati Bhavan. Mahajan emphasized the story's complex emotional dimensions during a post-performance discussion.
"It was Bhadrahari's deep, genuine love for his wife that compelled him to give away the immortality fruit rather than keeping it for himself," Mahajan explained. "However, the core philosophical message reveals that true love transcends worldly attachments and ultimately connects with the divine."
Mahajan further elaborated on the story's moral complexity, noting that contemporary audiences often overlook its nuanced lessons. "Virtue manifests in the most unexpected places and people. The courtesan, who society typically marginalizes, demonstrates extraordinary selflessness by prioritizing the greater good of the kingdom over personal gain," he observed.
Reviving Oral Storytelling Traditions
Festival organizer Amrita Somaiya highlighted the broader mission of the 'Afsana' storytelling initiative. "These ancient narratives constitute an essential part of our cultural inheritance," she stated. "Similar to traditional recipes passed down through generations by our grandmothers, these stories survive and thrive through continuous retelling. We aim to expose students to diverse cultural narratives they might otherwise never encounter in their educational journeys."
Through dramatic performance and engaging dialogue, this centuries-old legend found remarkable resonance with modern university audiences. The production served as a powerful reminder that concepts of power, love, and virtue often assume unexpected forms across different historical and cultural contexts. The festival successfully demonstrated how traditional storytelling can bridge temporal divides, making ancient wisdom accessible and relevant to contemporary generations.
